Sam Cooke's Daughter Carla Cooke Keeps His Music Alive

Summary

All of It – Episode: Sam Cooke's Daughter Carla Cooke Keeps His Music Alive

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Carla Cook
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Air Time: Weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC

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Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Carla Cook, the daughter of the legendary musician and civil rights activist Sam Cooke. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of her father's passing, Carla delves into her journey of preserving his enduring legacy through music. The episode seamlessly blends live performances with an insightful interview, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into Carla's life and her deep connection to her father's artistry.

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Live Performance: "Cupid" [00:29 – 02:32]

The episode opens with Carla performing a soulful rendition of Sam Cooke's classic hit "Cupid." Her smooth vocals breathe new life into the beloved song, setting a nostalgic yet fresh tone for the conversation ahead.

Notable Lyrics:

"Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go straight to my lover's heart for me."
[01:12]

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Interview with Carla Cook

Early Memories and Discovering Her Father's Fame [05:20 – 06:08]

Alison Stewart initiates the conversation by reminiscing about Carla's first encounter with "Cupid."

Carla Cook: "Ooh, Cupid. In my bedroom listening to a cassette tape."
[05:20]

Carla shares how, growing up unaware of her father's fame—owing to his untimely passing when she was just four months old—she gradually became aware of his global impact.

Carla Cook: "I didn't realize that till later on in life that he was as famous as he was all over the world."
[06:08]

Maintaining Sam Cooke's Legacy [05:31 – 07:03]

Despite her father's early death, Carla has passionately dedicated her life to honoring his memory through music. She tours extensively, sharing her unique interpretations of Sam Cooke's songs, thereby connecting diverse audiences to his timeless work.

Carla Cook: "I'm continuing to keep his memory alive by going out to each venue, city by city and performing in front of the audience and just giving them my version of how my father comes through me for my father's music."
[05:38]

She also touches on the personal acknowledgment she receives from fans, highlighting the universal love and respect for Sam Cooke.

Carla Cook: "Everyone would come up to me knowing, you're his daughter. ... It was just amazing to find out how much he is loved by so many people around the world."
[06:44]

Balancing Family and Music [06:44 – 07:34]

Carla reveals her bustling personal life, being a mother to seven children and grandmother to ten. Despite her demanding family responsibilities, her passion for music remains unwavering.

Carla Cook: "I've been singing all my life in church... I prayed to God, and I was like, you know, God, it's my turn now. It's time for me to do what I truly love to do."
[07:06]

She recounts receiving a pivotal phone call that launched her touring career, solidifying her role as a torchbearer for her father's musical heritage.

Influence of Gospel Music [07:34 – 08:08]

Growing up in the church, Carla's foundation in gospel music profoundly shapes her singing style. She emphasizes the importance of harmonies and tonal nuances inherited from her father's music, which seamlessly blend with her renditions.

Carla Cook: "When my father sings, he still has that gospel feeling in his music. So, yeah, I think that's good."
[07:46]

Curating the Set List [08:08 – 09:15]

Choosing the right songs to honor Sam Cooke's extensive catalog is a meticulous process for Carla. She employs medleys to incorporate as many hits as possible, ensuring that both longtime fans and new listeners find something to cherish.

Carla Cook: "I'm trying to cram them in... Hoping that I won't miss nothing that someone wants to hear."
[08:42]

She also discusses her approach to arranging the songs, striving to maintain authenticity while infusing her personal touch.

Carla Cook: "I'm trying to be myself in the way that I interpret it."
[08:59]

Favorite Performances and Audience Interactions [09:15 – 10:32]

Among the many songs, "Sugar Dumpling" stands out as Carla's favorite to perform, blending jazz elements with storytelling.

Carla Cook: "It's jazzy and it's kind of fast, but it tells a story... I really love to do it."
[09:19]

She shares heartwarming anecdotes about fans sharing how Sam Cooke's music has been a backdrop to significant life moments like weddings, illustrating the profound impact of his work.

Carla Cook: "They really tell me stories how they felt like on some of his songs and where they were when they heard this song play."
[09:52]

Introducing the Band [10:36 – 10:56]

Carla proudly introduces her talented band members:

• Stefan Kuguruga on keys
• Stephen Bland on bass
• Kevin Presutti on saxophone

This ensemble plays a crucial role in bringing her musical vision to life.

Civil Rights and Musical Impact [13:36 – 14:43]

Alison Stewart connects Sam Cooke's iconic song "A Change is Gonna Come" to the broader civil rights movement, prompting Carla to reflect on her father's commitment to social justice through music.

Carla Cook: "He cared so much about civil rights and how people were treated... his way of giving back and producing a song that will last for a long time."
[14:04]

Engaging Younger Generations [14:43 – 15:33]

A touching interaction from Carla's website highlights the reach of Sam Cooke's legacy to younger audiences.

Carla Cook: "I'm so glad that my father not only resonates with the older people, but the younger people as well."
[15:08]

Carla's Own Musical Aspirations [16:08 – 16:56]

Looking forward, Carla shares her plans to release her own original music, blending gospel and R&B influences.

Carla Cook: "I have a lot of gospel songs that I've written and R and B... they say she's the daughter of Sam Cooke, so I gotta do it right."
[16:10]

Contemporary Artists Influenced by Sam Cooke [16:56 – 17:54]

When asked about modern musicians who carry forward Sam Cooke's legacy, Carla thoughtfully mentions artists like John Legend and Anderson .Paak, recognizing their profound vocal abilities and unique sounds that echo the soulful essence of her father’s music.

Carla Cook: "John Legend is a good one... Anderson .Paak... he's channeling Marvin Gaye."
[17:03 – 17:54]

Personal Musical Influences [17:54 – 18:44]

Carla reveals her diverse musical influences, ranging from Roberta Flack to Barbra Streisand, showcasing the breadth of her artistic inspirations.

Carla Cook: "My first concert ever, my all-time favorite, Barbra Streisand... We played him all the way down."
[18:05 – 18:18]

Final Performances and Closing Remarks [18:30 – 19:07]

Before concluding the interview, Carla previews additional performances slated for her show, including Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and Sam Cooke's "Twisting the Night Away."

Carla Cook: "We're gonna do a song that I always dedicate to my father, done by the late, great Whitney Houston, I will always love you."
[18:30]

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Live Performance: "Twisting the Night Away" [18:49 – 21:46]

The episode culminates with Carla delivering an energetic performance of "Twisting the Night Away," infusing it with her signature style while honoring Sam Cooke's original spirit. Her vibrant rendition captures the joyous essence of the song, leaving listeners uplifted and connected to the rich musical tapestry her father created.

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Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by highlighting Carla Cook's upcoming show at 54 Below, reiterating the importance of her role in keeping Sam Cooke's music relevant and cherished across generations. Carla's dedication, combined with her heartfelt performances, underscores the enduring power of music in cultural preservation and personal legacy.

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Notable Quotes

• Carla Cook: "I'm trying to be myself in the way that I interpret it."
  [08:59]

• Carla Cook: "He cared so much about civil rights and how people were treated... his way of giving back and producing a song that will last for a long time."
  [14:04]

• Carla Cook: "I'm so glad that my father not only resonates with the older people, but the younger people as well."
  [15:08]

---

This comprehensive episode not only celebrates Sam Cooke's monumental contributions to music and civil rights but also illuminates Carla Cook's passionate commitment to her father's legacy. Through engaging storytelling and mesmerizing performances, All of It delivers an inspiring narrative of heritage, love, and the transformative power of music.

Transcript

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

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[Alison Stewart]

This is all of it on WNYC. I'm Alison Stewart. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the death of Sam Cooke, beloved musician and civil rights activist. His daughter, Carla Cook, has dedicated her career to keeping the legacy of his music alive. Her live show is called Carla Celebrating Sam Cooke, and it features Carla's covers of her father's classic hits and also includes some of her own interpretations of Sam's catalog. Carla Cooke Celebrating Sam Cooke is happening tomorrow night at 54 below. But first, joining me now for an interview and a special performance is Carla Cook. We're gonna kick things off with a performance. Carla, we're gonna hear you sing Cupid. Is that right?

[Carla Cook]

That's correct.

[Alison Stewart]

Let's hear it.

[Musician/Performer]

Cupid, draw back your bo. Let your arrow go straight to my lover's heart for me Nobody but me Cupid, please hear my cry and let your arrow fly Straight to my lover's heart for me Now, I don't mean to bother you But I'm in distress there's danger of me losing all of my happiness For I love a guy who doesn't know I exist and this you can fix so, oh, Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go Straight to my lover's heart for me Nobody but me and Cupid, please hear my cry and let your arrow fly Straight to my lover's heart for.

[Alison Stewart]

Me.

[Musician/Performer]

Cupid, if your arrow makes his love strong for me I promise I will love him until eternity I may know between the two of us it's hard. We can still help me if you will So, O Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go straight to my lover's heart for me Nobody but me and Cupid, please hear my cry high and let your arrow straight to my lover's heart for me hello, Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow go straight to my lover's heart for me Nobody but me and Cupid, please hear my cry and let your arrow fly Straight to my lover's heart for me Now, Cupid, if your.

[Carla Cook]

Arrow makes his love strong for me.

[Musician/Performer]

I promise I will love him until eternity I know between the two of us it's hard. We can still help me if you will so, O Cupid, draw back your bow and let your arrow Straight to my lover's heart for me Nobody but free and Cupid, please hear my cry Cry and let your arrow fly Straight to my lover's heart for me W W. Wow. Straight to my lover's heart for me Nobody but me yeah, yeah Straight to my lover's heart for me.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest is Carla Cook. She's performing tomorrow night at 54 below. The name of her show is Carla Cook Celebrating Sam Cooke. What do you remember about the first time you heard that song Cupid?

[Carla Cook]

Ooh, Cupid. In my bedroom listening to a cassette tape.

[Musician/Performer]

Oh, that's amazing.

[Carla Cook]

Oh, my dad. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

What have you done in your life that helps keep his music alive to you because he died when you were little?

[Musician/Performer]

Yes.

[Carla Cook]

About four months old. He passed away. Just what I'm doing now, continuing to keep his memory alive by going out to each venue, city by city and performing in front of the audience and just giving them my version of how my father. That comes through me for my father's music. So I love it, and I love feeling his spirit as I do it.

[Alison Stewart]

When was the first time that you realized, oh, wow, dad was famous? He was a famous musician.

[Carla Cook]

I didn't realize that till later on in life that he was as famous as he was all over the world. And it just. I'm like, wow. Because everybody would come up to me knowing, you're his daughter. You're his daughter. And I would hear it from everybody that found out that I was in the venues or anywhere that my people would just say, my husband especially, you know, she's Sam Cooke's daughter. Sing for him, baby. Sing for him. People will just be amazed. So that was just amazing to find out how much he is loved by so many people around the world.

[Alison Stewart]

Okay. Is it true that you have seven children?

[Carla Cook]

I do.

[Alison Stewart]

You have seven children. That's the end of the interview.

[Carla Cook]

10 grandkids. I just had a new grandbaby born.

[Alison Stewart]

Oh, congratulations. That's great. So with seven kids, 10 grandchildren.

[Progressive Insurance Announcer]

When.

[Alison Stewart]

Did you find time to sing?

[Carla Cook]

Well, I've been singing all my life in church. I started out, and when they got older, I just prayed to God, and I was like, you know, God, it's my turn now. It's time for me to do what I truly love to do. And he blessed me, and he. After that, I prayed. That prayer I got. I literally received a phone call asking me would I like to go on tour as one of the daughters of legends. And it went from There, you know.

[Alison Stewart]

Your father grew up seeing gospel in the church. How does that approach. How does that way you approach music? How does gospel help you approach music? I should say?

[Carla Cook]

Well, I grew up in the church, and that's where I learned how to sing. That's why I learned my harmonies, how to harmonize with different people, and how to. My tone, and it just incorporated onto the songs you can hear. When my father sings, he still has that gospel feeling in his music. So. Yeah, I think that's good, though.

[Alison Stewart]

We're talking to Carla Cook. She's performing tomorrow night at 54 below. The name of her show is Carla Cooke Celebrating Sam Cooke. Okay. How did you decide what your set list was gonna be like?

[Carla Cook]

That is hard. He has so many hits, and I'm trying to cram them in. And this. We're doing a couple of medleys, so I can cram everything in that I like. And people always ask me, what is your favorite song that he sings? I love them all. Yeah, I love them all.

[Alison Stewart]

I bet it changes day to day, too, depending on how you're feeling.

[Musician/Performer]

Yeah.

[Carla Cook]

But I incorporate it as best as I can, hoping that I won't miss nothing that someone wants to hear.

[Alison Stewart]

How did you decide, or when did you decide when to play around with the arrangements? Because there are different versions of the songs the way you perform them.

[Carla Cook]

Yes. People say that he didn't play. He told my bass player one time, and, you know, he didn't have those licks in that song. But, you know, I'm not trying to be just like him. I'm trying to be myself in the way that I interpret it. So I think we do a very good job.

[Alison Stewart]

Is there one song that you really enjoy playing?

[Carla Cook]

Sugar Dumpling.

[Alison Stewart]

Oh, tell me why.

[Carla Cook]

It's jazzy and it's kind of fast, but it tells a story. Most of his song tells a story, but Aretha Franklin did it, too. I was challenged to do that song, and I thought maybe I couldn't do it, but once I got together with my band, I found out that I really like it. I really love to do it. So, yeah, that Sugar Dumpling.

[Alison Stewart]

When people come up to you and they want to know about your dad, what is it that they want to know about him?

[Carla Cook]

Oh, they really tell me stories how they felt like on some of his songs and where they were when they heard this song play or they played this song at a wedding, or, you know, they really just come up to me and can't believe that he has a daughter that's singing and so we share those stories. Not nothing in particular about him, just how they felt and where they were when they hear this type of song in their days.

[Alison Stewart]

Oh, what was a funny story about somebody heard who had one of the songs. Either a wedding or a wedding.

[Carla Cook]

It wasn't really funny, but I have a lot of songs, people saying that they heard they played a song at their wedding. So that's one of the most popular ones.

[Alison Stewart]

We're gonna hear another song from you, but I'd love for you to introduce your band, if you would.

[Carla Cook]

For us. Of course. Yes. We have on keys, Mr. Stefan Kuguruga.

[Alison Stewart]

Stefan.

[Carla Cook]

We have on bass, Mr. Stephen Bland. And on saxophone, the one and only, Mr. Kevin Presutti.

[Alison Stewart]

Thank you so much for being here.

[Musician/Performer]

Thank you.

[Alison Stewart]

So, Carla, we're going to hear another tune. What are we going to hear now?

[Carla Cook]

Another Saturday Night.

[Alison Stewart]

This is Carla Cook.

[Carla Cook]

One, two, three.

[Musician/Performer]

Another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody I got some money cause I just got paid now how I wish I had someone to talk to I'm in an awful way I got in town about a month I've seen a lot of guys since then if I could meet them I could get them but yet I haven't met him that's why I'm in the shape I'm in. Here's another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody I got some money cause I just got paid now how I wish I had someone to talk to.

[Carla Cook]

I'm in an awful way.

[Musician/Performer]

Another woman told me she got a brother who looks just fine Instead of being my deliverance he had a strange resemblance to a cat named Frankenstein here's another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody I got some money cause I just got paid now how I wish I had someone to talk to I'm in an awful way.

[Carla Cook]

Now here's another Saturday night and I still ain't got.

[Musician/Performer]

Nobody man, if I was back home.

[Carla Cook]

I'd be swinging with two fellas on my.

[Musician/Performer]

Oh yeah. It's hard on a woman when she don't know her way around. If I don't find me a honey so we can spend this money I'm gonna have to blow this town here's another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody I got some money cause I just got paid How I wish I had someone to talk to I'm in an awful way. Here's another Saturday night and I ain't got no. I got some money cause I just got paid How I wish I had someone to Talk to. I'm in an awful way here's another Saturday night and I ain't got nobody I got some money Cause I just got paid How I wish I had someone to talk to I'm in an awful way.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest is Carla Cook. She's performing tomorrow night at 54 below. The name of her show is Carla Cook Celebrating Sam Cooke. You know, a Change is Gonna Come came out after your father passed away. And you think about that song, you think about the civil rights movement. What do you think about? Your father's story illustrates the power of song and of music in a movement.

[Carla Cook]

Oh, wow. That song, when you hear, touches you in a profound way, especially the way he sings it. And I think that he cared so much about civil rights and how people were treated, and he just wanted to be a part of that in each and every way. And with that song, you know, he wished he would have wrote Blowing in the Wind because he thought that that song had a lot of meaning to it as well. But I think this was his way of giving back and producing a song that will last for a long time, for centuries to come.

[Alison Stewart]

This is a really cool statement about your dad. It's from your website. It's from 2021 and this person wrote. Hi, Ms. Cooke. I just wanted to say I'm a huge fan of Sam Cooke and have been for the longest time. I'm only 18, LOL. And I just wanted to say thank you for continuing his legacy. What does it mean to you that an 18 year old taps into Sam Cooke's legacy?

[Carla Cook]

You know what that is? That was beautiful. I'm so glad that my father not only resonates with the older people, but the younger people as well. And to think that they love him too, I mean, that means that his music and his voice touches them as well. So I think that's really cool. I think that's really a good thing.

[Alison Stewart]

Is there a song of yours, Fathers, that you wish people knew better than they. Than they know? The Saturday Nights in Cupid.

[Carla Cook]

Wow. You know what? He didn't write this one, but When I Fall in Love. But he did write the intro. It wasn't. He tended to do. If he did another song that someone else wrote, he always wrote his own little verse and added it into there. So when I fall in love, I do that. And that's a beautiful song.

[Alison Stewart]

You said you have seven kids and 10 grandkids. Do they have a relationship with Sam Cooke's music?

[Carla Cook]

They do.

[Alison Stewart]

Tell me more.

[Carla Cook]

They do my kids. Well, you know I played it all the time, so they had to listen to it.

[Alison Stewart]

So.

[Carla Cook]

Yes, they do. And my little granddaughter, she goes to school. Sam Cooke is my granddaddy. She lets them know.

[Alison Stewart]

So, yeah, you've written some of your own music, I should say. Do you have any plans to release any of your own music in the future?

[Carla Cook]

I do. I'm working on it now. I have at least I have a lot of gospel songs that I've written and R and B. But I plan on honing in and getting the music just right. You know, they say she's the daughter of Sam Cooke, so I gotta do it right.

[Alison Stewart]

Understood.

[Carla Cook]

So, yeah, I plan on releasing this.

[Alison Stewart]

Who are some musicians today who you think are carrying on your father's legacy in his work? Yeah.

[Carla Cook]

Oh, my goodness. Ask me that of yesterday, because I carry on his music.

[Alison Stewart]

I think John Legend a little bit.

[Carla Cook]

John Legend is a good one. He's a good one. He has that profound voice as well. You know John when you hear him on the radio. So, yeah, I could say John Legend is one. Throw out some more to me.

[Alison Stewart]

Let's see who else.

[Carla Cook]

I'm asking you the question. Turning around.

[Alison Stewart]

Oh, you know, when he's being. When he's not being a funky guy. Anderson Paak, a little bit.

[Carla Cook]

Anderson Pack.

[Alison Stewart]

Yeah. Like, he's got a really unique sound to him.

[Carla Cook]

You know, he's a good one.

[Musician/Performer]

October, London.

[Carla Cook]

Well, you know, he's channeling Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye, yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Leon Bridges, that's another good example. So when you're on the road, who else do you listen to?

[Carla Cook]

I listen to Roberta Flack. I listen.

[Alison Stewart]

My first concert ever.

[Carla Cook]

Yes. My favorite, all time favorite. Barbra Streisand.

[Alison Stewart]

Oh, the best.

[Carla Cook]

And my dad and your dad, of course. We played him all the way down.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest is Carla Cook. She's performing tomorrow night at 54 below. The name of her show is Carla Cook Celebrating Sam Cooke. Aside from the songs of Sam Cooke, what can we expect from the evening?

[Carla Cook]

We're gonna do a song that I always dedicate to my father, done by the late, great Whitney Houston, I will always love you.

[Alison Stewart]

Great.

[Carla Cook]

I do that on my show.

[Alison Stewart]

All right, you got one more song planned for us. I think you're going to do. Is it Twisting the Night Away?

[Carla Cook]

It is, yes.

[Alison Stewart]

All right, this is Carla Cook from Celebrating Sam Cooke. This is Twisting the Night Away.

[Musician/Performer]

Let me tell you about a place Somewhere up in New York way Where the people are so gay Twisting the night Way. Here we have a lot of fun Putting drovers on the run man, you find the old and young Twisting the night away that twisting, twisting Everybody's feeling great Twisting, twisting there Twisting the night away Here's a fella for evening clothes how he got there I don't know but man, you ought to see him go Twisting the night away he's dancing with the chicken slapp she's moving up and back man, there ain't nothing like Twisting the night away they're twisting, twisting Everybody's feeling great Twisting, twisting there Twisting the light let's twist a while Lean.

[Alison Stewart]

Back.

[Musician/Performer]

Lean up, lean back oh, why don't you say now fly, now twist Twisting the night away Here's a fella in blue jeans he's dancing with the older queen who she's died up in her diamond rings Twisting the night away man, you want to see her go Twist into the rock and roll Here you find the young and old Twisting the that twisting, twisting Everybody's feeling great Twisting, twisting there Twisting the night away Twist a while Lean up, lean back Lean up, lean back to say now fly now twist there yeah Twisting the knife Twisting the night away Twisting the night away Twisting the night away.

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